Worship Team Auditions

John Knox Worship Team Application

We are so glad you are interested in being a part of the worship team at John Knox Presbyterian Church! The JK Worship Team is just one of the ways that we serve and worship God as part of the Worship, Music, & the Arts Ministry at John Knox. If God has given you a musical talent, we want to be able to help you find the best place to use it for God’s glory! Being a part of the JK Worship Team does require time and excellence (not perfection), but most of all a humble and willing spirit.

Overview

One of the core values of JKPC is worship – our worship is directed to God, an act of adoration to him, who is the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent Creator. Worship is continuous and frames not only our weekly services but every moment of our lives. It is the essence of our existence and our being. The JK Worship Team is an integral part of our weekly and special worship services.

Team Commitment and Expectations

No matter what kind of team you are a part of, it takes commitment – to others on the team as well as to what the team is seeking to accomplish. At JKPC, not only are we seeking as a worship team to lead with honesty and excellence, but also to lead as a team that supports, encourages, and challenges one another as followers of Christ and musicians. In addition to preparation, planning, and practice, this kind of team calls for vulnerability and accountability to one another. Because of this, there is a certain level of commitment that is required from the worship team that exceeds other ministries. This commitment can take on many forms. Here are a few practical areas where the level of commitment is most evident.

Preparation: As noted above in the overview, worship is continuous, and frames not only our weekly services but every moment of our lives. This is an important aspect of our preparation as those leading in worship. What we do on a Sunday morning or during other corporate times of worship should be an overflow of a lifestyle of worship and a heart that is well-cultivated throughout the week. In addition to preparing ourselves spiritually, musical preparation is important to leading well. Rehearsals run more smoothly when everyone has listened to and practiced the music ahead of time. This is one of the ways we can respect one another’s time and efforts, by preparing well.

Rehearsal: Rehearsals are another part of our preparation for leading in worship. It is important to have every part of the team present for rehearsal. This helps us grow together musically, challenge one another, and be creative together as a team. Not only is this a time for us to prepare musically, but it is a time for us to connect as a community. During rehearsals, we will take time to check-in with one another, pray together, laugh with one another, and encourage each other.

Punctuality: Everyone’s time is valuable. It is important that everyone be punctual for rehearsals so that we can use our limited time as efficiently as possible. Arriving early is always a great idea. Being on time communicates respect towards one another. If an unexpected situation arises and you know you will be late, please communicate as quickly as possible with the worship leader.

Community: There is no denying that music is a huge part of what we do as a worship team. It does not, however, end there. The JK Worship Team is a community of musicians that seeks to encourage one another in our craft as musicians, but, more importantly, in our relationships with God and with one another. We do this through praying for one another, spending time together, and investing in each other’s lives.

Flexibility: The worship leader always tries to give adequate notice of schedule or service changes. While it is not uncommon for these changes to take place, it is only done when necessary. Additionally, at times, flexibility is needed to adapt to what is taking place during the service.

Take a moment to review the schedule below. This is the typical weekly schedule and commitment expectations for those leading in worship on Sunday.

Monday – Wednesday (2-3 hrs)

Listen and practice the music in preparation for Thursday’s rehearsal.

Thursday Night (1.5-2 hrs)

Arrival and setup (6:45pm – 7:00pm) Rehearsal (7:00pm – 8:30pm) Sharing and Prayer (8:30pm – 8:45pm)

Friday – Saturday (1-2 hrs)

Sharpen anything that needs attention

Sunday (4.5-5 hrs)

Final rehearsal (7:00am) Prayer (8:15am) Worship Service (8:30am) Worship Service (10:30am) Clean-up when needed (11:30am)

Audition Process

Once you submit your application, you will be contacted to arrange a one-on-one “getting to know you” meeting with the Director of Worship, Music, & the Arts. During your meeting, an audition time will be arranged. For your audition, you will be ask to learn two songs that are a part of the regular repertoire at John Knox. Since you are auditioning to be a part of a team, auditions will take place in a group setting with other vocalists and band members present to accompany your audition.

Auditions are, by nature, a little intimidating. We will try to make the process as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Following your audition, we will communicate within 10 days what next steps should be taken. In some cases, it may be evident that an applicant’s skills have not developed enough to serve on a regularly scheduled basis on the JKPC Worship Team. Should this be the case, advice on how the applicant can improve will be offered with suggestions for next steps. Next steps may include things like lessons and opportunities for musical growth and/or exploring where the applicant may be better equipped to serve within JKPC.

Questions are welcome…

If you have any questions regarding the application and audition process for the JK Worship Team, please do not hesitate to contact:

Rachel Morris Director of Worship, Music, & the Arts rachel@jkpcusa.org